Intel Core i9-14900KS

In terms of clock speeds you're getting 6.2 GHz on two cores now, which is a 200 MHz increase over the 14900K (or +3.3%). Additional performance potential is unlocked by the higher default power limit on the KS, which is set to PL1=PL2=320 W, a significant increase over the PL1=PL2=253 W setting on the 14900K. With the 14900KS, Intel is introducing a new "ICCMax" value of 400 W for the Extreme Power Delivery Profile, which gives the processor some additional performance headroom.

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is an enthusiast product in the most extreme definition of the term. It’s a pain to keep cool. Even then you still can run into scenarios it’s only okay in – see Factorio for example. But if you’re willing to put the time in, the results can be good. We hoped there were alternative, affordable ways to cool your processors than going down this route, but clearly EK know their stuff.

As previously mentioned, the Intel Core i9-14900KS only differs from its predecessors in terms of its clocks. There’s 176K (48K + 32K / 32K + 64K) of total L1 cache per core, 2MB of total L2 cache per P-core, 4MB of L2 cache per 4-core E-core complex, and up to 36MB of L3 shared across all of the cores. You’ll note that on our particular sample, it is only P-cores 6 and 7 that offer the 62x multiplier necessary to hit that peak 6.2GHz turbo target.

Buy the Intel Core i9-12900KFif you want… Use existing DDR4 ram (with compatible motherboard)If you already have an Intel Z690 motherboardCompatibility and stabilitySpeed and performancePCIE 5.0Works on Z690 or Z790 motherboardsBuy the Intel Core...

There are no tangible benefits to buying the pricier Core i9 14900K over the often cheaper Core i9 13900K. Prices will eventually come down, the 13900K will sell out, and the 14900K will sit top of the pile. Until then, just stick with whichever Core i9...